Bill > HB1340

This bill amends the existing Washington state sales tax law to exempt prepared food from sales tax. Specifically, the legislation modifies RCW 82.08.0293 to include prepared food within the definition of "food and food ingredients," which are generally exempt from sales tax. Previously, prepared food was explicitly excluded from the tax exemption for food and food ingredients. The bill retains existing exclusions for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and cannabis products, and continues to exclude soft drinks, bottled water, and dietary supplements from the food tax exemption. By including prepared food in the tax-exempt category, the bill aims to reduce the tax burden on consumers purchasing ready-to-eat meals and food items. The legislation also includes a technical section stating that certain standard legislative evaluation requirements do not apply to this act. This change could potentially make prepared food more affordable for consumers and simplify the sales tax classification for food-related businesses in Washington state.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1340&Year=2025&Initiative=false